HUNTING IN INDIA. 227 



This is one of the oldest of Ceylon estates, which, 

 having failed successively as a coffee and a sugar 

 estate, was then holding out hopes of great promise 

 in cacao. What made it especially desirable for 

 beagles was that acres of it were planted with guinea- 

 grass, nearly the whole being clear open going. To 

 the north ran jungle-clad hills, while on two sides it 

 was bounded by the great river Mahawelliganga, first 

 of Ceylon rivers. The manager was a thorough 

 sportsman. Unfortunately lame in his old age, he 

 managed to see a wonderful deal of the fun in a car 

 drawn by two trotting bullocks. 



Soon after sunrise we left the bungalow, and ere 

 long old Druid spoke to the drag. Tally ho ! there 

 she goes right under Ringwood's nose, and the 

 whole pack score to cry. She circles the grassy 

 plain, and returning to the gardens, there is a 

 check. She has squatted, and the little hounds extend 

 like a fan, seeking busily. A coolie has seen her 

 stealing away by the cart-shed. It may be a fresh one, 

 but we must chance that. On the edge of the road 

 they take it up, but she is beat and has squatted but 

 little further on. I walk almost on to her, and as she 

 bounces up Barmaid has her. " Who- whoop ! " 



Later on we find again on the edge of the jungle 

 that covers the hill. She goes up the hill, and I fear 

 we shall not be able to get to hounds, but on the top 

 she turns. There she goes across the grass, looking 

 fresh enough. She runs nearly round the estate, and 

 again she mounts the hill. A rare hare this I Foot 

 by foot she retraces the old line. We, who cannot 



Q 2 



